Watkins Lake
Key Takeaway
Watkins Lake is classified as unknown in Minnesota. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 4 ft (taller than 0.3% in MN) |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 148 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 134 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00881 |
Safety Information
Hazard potential has not been determined.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
MNDNR
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Watkins Lake?
Watkins Lake is classified as Unknown. Hazard potential has not been determined. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Watkins Lake?
Watkins Lake is owned by MNDNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Watkins Lake built?
Watkins Lake was completed in 1938, making it 88 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Watkins Lake?
Watkins Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Watkins Lake?
Watkins Lake has a dam height of 4 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Watkins Lake last inspected?
Watkins Lake was last inspected on December 8, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.